September 2022

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08), Annie Kuster (D-NH-02) and Andy Kim (D-NJ-03), and Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT) Will Headline “Lower Costs, Better Care” Events in Six States

Watch All Bus Tour Stops Live Here.

Washington, DC — On the first week of Protect Our Care’s 12,000-mile “Lower Costs, Better Care” bus tour, “Care Force One” will make stops in six states to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s measures to drive down health care costs and to let Americans know how and when they can access these new benefits. During each stop, national and local elected officials, health care advocates and storytellers will educate Americans about how the bill could save them thousands of dollars a year on health care. 

The “Lower Costs, Better Care” five-week tour will thank lawmakers who fought tirelessly to pass this historic bill and call out Republicans for rejecting measures to lower costs for millions of working families and seniors and addressing deep inequities in our health care system. Lawmakers have long worked to lower health costs and rein in high drug prices — but President Biden and Democrats in Congress actually got the job done— with help on the way in just a matter of months. Read more about the Inflation Reduction Act’s health care provisions here. 

MONDAY

BANGOR, MAINE:
WHO:
Attorney General Aaron Frey
Ann Woloson, Consumers for Affordable Health Care
Marie Follayttar Smith, Mainers for Accountable Leadership
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Anne Shoup, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Pierce Park: 145 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME 04401

WHEN: Monday, October 3, 2022 at 9:30 AM ET

PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE:
WHO:
Hanan Babikir Bedri, NH Public Health Association
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Granite State Progress
Nancy Glynn, MomsRising
Joan Jacobs, breast cancer patient & senior on Medicare
Ansley Womble, health care advocate
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Prescott Park: 105 Marcy St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

WHEN: Monday, October 3, 2022 at 3:30 PM ET

TUESDAY

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE:
WHO:
U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH-02)
Hanan Babikir Bedri, NH Public Health Association
Gail Brown, NH Oral Health Coalition
Zandra Rice Hawkins, Granite State Progress
Lyn Lindpaintner, Kent Street
Lisa Beaudoin, ABLE NH
Nancy Glynn, MomsRising
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: New Hampshire State House: 107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03303

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
WHO:
Governor Ned Lamont (D-CT)
Deby Gould, Access Health
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Leslie Dach, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Capitol Parking Lot

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

WEDNESDAY

SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA
WHO:
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)
U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08)
Robin Stelly (PHAN)
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Anne Shoup, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Lackawanna County Courthouse Square: 200 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18503

WHEN: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
WHO:
Philadelphia City Councilwoman Helen Gym
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Anne Shoup, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Friends Center, 1501 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

WHEN: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 3:00 PM ET

THURSDAY

NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY
WHO:
U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06)
Laura Waddell NJ Citizen Action
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Buccleuch Park: 321 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 10:30 AM ET

MARLTON, NEW JERSEY
WHO:
U.S. Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ-03)
Laura Waddell, NJ Citizen Action
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate
Brad Woodhouse, Protect Our Care

WHERE: Civic Center, 984 Tuckerton Road

WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

FRIDAY

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA
WHO:
State Rep. Summer Lee
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate

WHERE: City County Building Portico: 414 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
WHO:
Delegate Barbara Fleischauer
Delegate Danielle Walker
Delegate John Williams
Delegate Evan Hansen
Dr. Jessica Ice
Mindy Salango, Type-1 diabetic and Morgantown resident
Laura Packard, cancer survivor and health care advocate 

WHERE: Mylan Park: 500 Mylan Park Ln., Morgantown, WV 26501

WHEN: Friday, October 7, 2022 at 2:30 PM ET

Protect Our Care’s Care Force One will make stops in:
Bangor, Maine on Monday, October 3, 2022
Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Monday, October 3, 2022
Concord, New Hampshire on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Scranton, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, October 5, 2022
New Brunswick, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Marlton, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2022
Morgantown, West Virginia on Friday, October 7, 2022
Columbus, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, October 10, 2022
Flint, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Green Bay, Wisconsin on Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 13, 2022
St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, October 13, 2022
Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, October 14, 2022
Kansas City, Missouri on Friday, October 14, 2022
Reno, Nevada on Monday, October 17, 2022
Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Flagstaff, Arizona on Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Pueblo / Colorado Springs, Colorado on Thursday, October 20, 2022
Denver, Colorado on Friday, October 21, 2022
Richmond, Virginia on Monday, October 24, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina on Monday, October 24, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Augusta, Georgia on Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Atlanta, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Savannah, Georgia on Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Orlando, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Tampa, Florida on Thursday, October 27, 2022
Miami, Florida on Friday, October 28, 2022

TBA: October 31-November 4, 2022

For more information on the Protect Our Care “Lower Costs, Better Care” Bus Tour visit  https://www.protectourcare.org/bus-tour/

Medicaid Initiatives in Massachusetts and Oregon Will Expand Coverage, Address Hunger and Housing Needs, and Create Healthier Communities

Washington DC — Yesterday, the Biden-Harris administration approved two Medicaid waivers to expand health care coverage and reduce inequities in care. The waiver in Oregon guarantees continuous Medicaid coverage for children through the age of six. In Massachusetts, the Biden-Harris administration approved a waiver expanding coverage to vulnerable groups, including homeless individuals, postpartum people, and those recently released from correctional facilities. Both waivers will also help address unmet social needs, including nutrition and housing. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“The initiatives approved by the Biden-Harris administration will pave the way for healthier people and communities. By expanding health care coverage, taking steps to combat hunger and housing instability, and addressing other unmet social needs, these waivers will improve health outcomes for thousands of families across Massachusetts and Oregon. Expanding Medicaid coverage is a proven way to reduce racial inequities in health care, strengthen families, and save lives. This is just the latest health care victory from the Biden-Harris administration: between stopping surprise billing, strengthening maternal care, and lowering premium and prescription drug costs through the Inflation Reduction Act, President Biden has made health care more accessible, affordable, and equitable for the American people.”

Washington DC — Today, President Biden delivered remarks on his administration’s successful efforts to drive down health care costs for the American people. During the event, President Biden celebrated the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and its game-changing prescription drug and premium savings. The speech comes after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that Medicare Part B premiums will see the first decline in more than a decade, benefiting millions of seniors and people with disabilities across the country. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“The announcement from CMS on lower Medicare premiums is only the latest achievement in a long line of health care victories from President Biden and Democrats in Congress. By signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law, President Biden has delivered lower prescription drug costs and ACA premiums for millions of families. The administration has also taken critical steps to stop surprise billing, strengthen maternal care and reduce racial disparities in our health care system. Taken together, these actions mean seniors and families could save thousands of dollars a year on health care beginning as soon as next year. While Republicans want to rip away health care and dismantle essential programs like Medicare and Social Security, Democrats are standing up for middle class families and delivering long-overdue relief.” 

Washington DC — Yesterday, the Biden-Harris administration approved extending Medicaid postpartum coverage for 12 months in North Carolina. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, another 28,000 people will become eligible for affordable health care thanks to the American Rescue Plan’s provision to strengthen maternal health coverage. Now, every year, more than 360,000 Americans in 24 states and D.C. will be eligible for Medicaid coverage 12 months postpartum. In response, Protect Our Care Executive Director Brad Woodhouse issued the following statement: 

“Extending Medicaid postpartum coverage means making health care more affordable, accessible, and equitable for families. Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, tens of thousands of Americans will now have access to lifesaving maternal health care. This is a critical step in fighting the maternal mortality crisis and eliminating racial disparities within our health care system, particularly for Black mothers and their babies. More than a dozen states have refused to take advantage of this option, leaving too many mothers without basic care. It’s time for every state to take action now to save lives.”   

Background:

15 States Have Refused To Expand Postpartum Medicaid For A Year After Birth. The 15 states that have failed to expand Medicaid to cover postpartum coverage for a year after birth include five states that haven’t adopted Medicaid expansion and eleven states that banned abortion. Almost all have Republican governors. Policies in these Republican held and gridlock states put new mothers at severe risk to lose stable and consistent coverage during a period of medical vulnerability.

Access To Care Is Essential At Every Stage. There is an urgent need for quality, affordable health coverage prior to, during, and after giving birth. While 48 percent of maternal deaths occur during pregnancy and delivery, more than half, 52 percent, occur in the year following the birth of a child. 12 percent of maternal deaths are deemed ‘late’, occurring between six weeks and one year following delivery, demonstrating the immense need for continuous health access and coverage for a minimum of one year following the birth of a child.

More Than Four In 10 Births Are Covered By Medicaid. In 2018, 42 percent of births were financed by Medicaid, with 40 percent or more births covered by the program in 25 states. Rates varied across the nation, with 61 percent of births financed by Medicaid in Louisiana, and 22 percent in Utah. In the 12 states that have refused Medicaid expansion, eight had more than 40 percent of births covered by Medicaid. Medicaid covers 65 percent of all births to Black mothers.

Washington DC — Tomorrow, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is set to release House Republicans’ “Commitment to America” agenda. No matter what claims they might make, the House Republican agenda is clear and includes dangerous measures to hike prescription drug costs and gut Medicare and Social Security for millions of seniors. Already, Republicans have promised that if they take control of Congress, they intend to repeal the Affordable Care Act, dismantle protections for people with pre-existing conditions, sunset Medicare and Medicaid, and hike drug and health care costs for millions of working families. In response, Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach issued the following statement: 

“If Republicans take control of the House, it will be harder for American families to go to the doctor or pay the bills if they get sick. Republicans will raise costs for seniors and families, they will go back to a time where people with pre-existing conditions paid more, and they will keep siding with Big Pharma and insurance companies. 

“Every Republican in Congress voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, and now they are promising to repeal the entire law, including its groundbreaking prescription drug and premium savings. Republican lawmakers unanimously oppose capping insulin costs, strengthening care for seniors, and other commonsense measures to make health care more affordable, accessible, and equitable. Some things never change: Republicans want to repeal the Affordable Care Act, gut Medicare and Social Security, raise costs, ditch critical protections, and put profits over patients — and nothing Kevin McCarthy says tomorrow will change that.” 

The Real Republican Health Care Plan

• Shut Down The Government To Force The Repeal Of Lower Drug Prices And Premiums: Republican leaders have openly said they want to shut down the entire government to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act and impose higher drug costs and premiums on the American people. Rep. Chip Roy said Republicans should shut down the government “on day one” of the new Congress to force repeal, and his colleague Rep. Bob Good agreed, claiming that “gridlock is a good thing” compared to the law. And Sen. Rick Scott, who leads GOP efforts to win the Senate, has also threatened to use any Republican majority to force a repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act. 
  • Repealing The Inflation Reduction Act Will Harm People of Color, People With Disabilities, And Rural Communities. Republicans’ plan to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act will harm millions of Americans who are benefiting from the bill, including nearly 6 million Medicare beneficiaries of color. Black Medicare beneficiaries are 1.5 times more likely than White beneficiaries to have trouble affording medications, and about two times as likely to not fill needed prescriptions due to cost. Americans who suffer from chronic conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease also benefit greatly from drug pricing provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. A repeal would mean Americans with disabilities and chronic conditions would continue to pay thousands of dollars a year for necessary medications for treatment. The insulin cap for Medicare beneficiaries included in the Inflation Reduction Act particularly benefits America’s rural communities. Rural Americans are 17 percent more likely to suffer from diabetes than urban Americans. Diabetes risk factors are higher in rural areas than their urban and suburban counterparts as they have less access to health care providers, fewer transportation options to receive care, and higher rates of being uninsured. 
• Repeal The ACA: Republicans would also use a Congressional majority to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Just days ago Rep. Scott Perry, the chair of the powerful House Freedom Caucus, was asked whether Republicans would repeal the ACA if they gained a majority. Perry responded, “We’re going to have to absolutely take a look at it if we’re going to help working class Americans be able to afford to stay healthy.”
• End Medicare As We Know It: NRSC Chairman Sen. Rick Scott has rolled out a disastrous agenda for a Republican Senate majority that includes “sunsetting” every federal law after five years – this would include the Affordable Care Act and its protections for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions as well as the crucial lifelines of Social Security and Medicare. Sen. Ron Johnson goes even further and proposes ending Medicare as an entitlement and instead subjecting the program to the annual appropriations process. Scott and Johnson’s catastrophic plans to remake Medicare and put seniors’ health at risk have support from many Republican candidates for office who support privatizing Medicare and Social Security and slashing funding.

Watch the Full Event Here.

Washington DC — Today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), U.S. Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT-AL), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Susie Lee (D-NV-03), and Susan Wild (D-PA-07), and health care advocates and storytellers joined Protect Our Care for a press event to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s game-changing measures to drive down health care costs for millions of working families and seniors nationwide. During the event, speakers discussed how the bill lowers premiums, gives Medicare the power to negotiate, caps drug costs for seniors, and reduces disparities in health care. 

Protect Our Care was also joined by David Mitchell, President and Founder of Patients for Affordable Drugs, Richard Fiesta, Executive Director at the Alliance for Retired Americans, and Emily Gee, vice president and coordinator for Health Policy at the Center for American Progress. 

“We’ve been trying for decades to enable the Secretary to negotiate for lower drug prices,” said U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). “This is a kitchen table issue. It is something that is a value to us, and we finally were successful in this legislation. We want to do more, but we have kicked open that door.”

“If you have your health, you have everything,” said Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD). “We have taken action. Lower drug prices, better care — that’s what we did. Every American cares about health care.” 

“In addition to buying a Congress that held us hostage and kept us from doing what our job was for 16 years, Big Pharma preyed on the insecurity and the love that we have for people in our families who need medication. Those days are over with this price negotiation bill,” said U.S. Representative Peter Welch (D-VT-AL). “Let me say to Pharma: we have only begun to stop the rip off.” 

“We all share a story of someone in our family rationing or cutting their prescription drugs because they can’t afford it, or not paying their rent because they have to buy prescription drugs,” said U.S. Representative Susie Lee (D-NV-03). “We delivered on our promise to finally hold Big Pharma accountable — and not one Republican stood with us. We will continue to put people over politics.” 

“Today is one of my favorite days in Congress, because today is a health care day,” said U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14). “The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits will make health care more accessible and affordable for 13 million Americans and help families of four save an average of $2,400 per year. Simply put, the Inflation Reduction Act is life changing.” 

“The Republicans have this mission that they are going to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, and what that would mean to those 17,000 people in my district is that they would face a cliff where they can no longer afford their health insurance,” said U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-07). “We’re saving millions of dollars for taxpayers and we’re making health care more affordable and accessible. That’s real and it’s critically important. It’s an incredible victory to have passed the Inflation Reduction Act.” 

“For me, a single mom, and for so many West Virginians and Americans, passage of the Inflation Reduction Act is a game-changer. It’s a historic and significant legislative package that makes health coverage and prescription drugs more affordable for millions of Americans,” said Dr. Jessica Ice, patient storyteller from West Virginia. “In my home, it means saving more than $200 a month on health insurance premiums.” 

“As a two-time cancer survivor on Medicare, married to a type one diabetic on Medicare, the Inflation Reduction Act is a godsend,” said DonnaMarie Woodson, patient storyteller from North Carolina. “It improves the lives of millions of seniors across the country by lowering prescription drug costs and improving access to health care coverage. This piece of legislation is the greatest health care achievement since the passage of the Affordable Care Act — and the Affordable Care Act saved my life.” 

“The Inflation Reduction Act is a true victory for the American people,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “We all know how high health care prices take a devastating toll on families when someone gets sick. After years of big drug companies and special interests pulling the strings in Washington, President Biden and Democrats delivered lower prescription drug and health care costs to millions of people — beginning as soon as next year. This legislation paves the way for a more affordable, accessible, and equitable health care system for many years to come.”

***MEDIA ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 21 AT 10:00 AM ET***

Millions Will Benefit from Lower Health Care Costs and Better Care Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act

Washington DC — On Wednesday, September 21, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) will join U.S. Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT-AL), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), and Susan Wild (D-PA-07), and health care advocates and storytellers for an in-person press event hosted by Protect Our Care to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act’s game-changing measures to drive down health care costs for millions of working families and seniors nationwide. During the event, speakers will discuss how the bill lowers premiums, gives Medicare the power to negotiate, caps drug costs for seniors, and reduces disparities in health care. These savings will begin as soon as next year. The event will take place in front of the House Triangle. 

WHO:
U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
U.S. Representative Peter Welch (D-VT-AL)
U.S. Representative Susie Lee (D-NV-03)
U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14)
U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-07)
David Mitchell, Patients for Affordable Drugs
Richard Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans
Emily Gee, Center for American Progress
Dr. Jessica Ice, patient storyteller from West Virginia
DonnaMarie Woodson, patient storyteller from North Carolina

WHAT: Press Event Celebrating Lower Health Care Costs

WHEN: Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 10:00 AM ET

WHERE: House Triangle

Event will also be streamed live online here.

As the Inflation Reduction Act theme weeks come to a close, Protect Our Care is highlighting how the legislation will help patients with serious diseases like Parkinson’s Disease. The Inflation Reduction Act will drastically reduce the cost of prescription drugs for Americans enrolled in Medicare’s Part D drug benefit by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, preventing drug companies from raising prices faster than the rate of inflation, and capping out-of-pocket spending on drugs to $2,000 a year for Medicare beneficiaries. This bill also extends enhanced American Care Act subsidies to allow more Americans to afford coverage, reducing racial, income, and geographic disparities in health care and saving lives. Nearly a million Americans with Parkinson’s will feel the direct financial impacts of affordable prescription drugs and health insurance from this bill.

By The Numbers:

• Premium tax credits extended in the Inflation Reduction Act will allow 13 million people with pre-existing conditions, including Parkinson’s, to save money on their insurance.
• Medications for Parkinson’s costs an average $14,177 per year, according to a 2021 study.
• An estimated 90 percent of people with Parkinson’s receive Medicare benefits costing $23 billion.
• Roughly 60,000 Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease.

The Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Health Care Costs

Out-Of-Pocket Spending Caps On Prescription Drugs Benefits Parkinson’s Patients.  Medicare beneficiaries with serious conditions like multiple sclerosis, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis could save thousands of dollars under the Inflation Reduction Act. In 2025, out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000 per year for medications covered by Medicare Part D; directly lowering costs for the more than 1.4 million enrollees who paid more than $2,000 on medication in 2020. A quarter of American adults have not filled a prescription, cutting pills in half, or skipped doses due to the cost of medication. Cost of Parkinson’s medications has caused patients to avoid taking their prescriptions or cut doses which can lead to worsening symptoms of the disease.

Extending Premium Subsidies Saves Lives. The Inflation Reduction Act extends enhanced premium subsidies through the end of 2025. Right now, nearly 13 million people, or 89 percent with an ACA plan, are receiving enhanced premium tax credits, making their coverage affordable and accessible. After two years of these subsidies, the Department of Health and Human Services released an analysis showing that just 8 percent of Americans lacked health insurance at the beginning of 2022 — an all-time low for the nation.

Gives Medicare The Power To Negotiate Lower Drug Prices. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare will be empowered to negotiate prices for select drugs for Medicare Part D’s 49 million beneficiaries. Beginning in 2026, 10 drugs will be negotiated with that number increasing to 15 drugs in 2027, and 20 drugs in 2029 and into the future. By 2030, more than 80 drugs will be eligible for Medicare price negotiation, in addition to insulin products. With 90 percent of people with Parkinson’s obtaining their health care through Medicare, drug price negotiation will largely benefit most Americans with this disease.

Minorities Suffer From Symptoms Of Parkinson’s More Than White People. Black Americans have greater Parkinson’s severity and disability than their white counterparts. This is most likely due to delayed diagnosis, lack of access to care, economic factors, and lack of referrals to specialists. There is little research on the prevalence of Parkinson’s in minority communities due to the socioeconomic factors of getting patients to receive proper care and to take part in research trials.

The final Inflation Reduction Act theme week focuses on how the historic legislation will help Americans with serious diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Over the next few years, the Inflation Reduction Act will drastically reduce the cost of prescription drugs for Americans enrolled in Medicare’s Part D drug benefit by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, preventing drug companies from raising prices faster than the rate of inflation, and capping out-of-pocket spending on drugs to $2,000 a year. This bill also extends enhanced American Care Act subsidies to allow more Americans to afford coverage, reducing racial, income, and geographic disparities in health care and saving lives. Organizations representing Americans with MS have pushed for the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act as it has direct financial impacts making prescription drugs and health insurance more affordable.

By The Numbers:

• Premium tax credits extended in the Inflation Reduction Act will allow 13 million people with pre-existing conditions, including MS, to save money on their insurance
• According to a 2017 study, medicines for MS cost an average $70,000 per year, roughly $4,000 out-of-pocket.
• 40 percent of people suffering from MS altered or stopped taking medication due to cost.
• There are nearly 1 million people in the United States living with MS.

The Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Health Care Costs

Capping Out-Of-Pocket Spending On Prescription Drugs Relieves Financial Stressors For Americans With MS.  Medicare beneficiaries with serious conditions like multiple sclerosis, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis could save thousands of dollars under the Inflation Reduction Act. In 2025, out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000 per year for medications covered by Medicare Part D; directly lowering costs for the more than 1.4 million enrollees who paid more than $2,000 on medication in 2020. A quarter of American adults have not filled a prescription, cutting pills in half, or skipped doses due to the cost of medication. Americans with MS pay over $300 a month for their prescriptions. 

Extending Premium Subsidies Saves Lives. The Inflation Reduction Act extends enhanced premium subsidies through the end of 2025. Right now, nearly 13 million people, or 89 percent with an ACA plan, are receiving enhanced premium tax credits, making their coverage affordable and accessible. After two years of these subsidies, the Department of Health and Human Services released an analysis showing that just 8 percent of Americans lacked health insurance at the beginning of 2022 — an all-time low for the nation. Extending premium subsidies will allow more Americans who have MS to detect MS earlier and afford and access proper treatment.

Gives Medicare The Power To Negotiate Lower Drug Prices. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare will be empowered to negotiate prices for select drugs for Medicare Part D’s 49 million beneficiaries. Beginning in 2026, 10 drugs will be negotiated with that number increasing to 15 drugs in 2027, and 20 drugs in 2029 and into the future. By 2030, more than 80 drugs will be eligible for Medicare price negotiation, in addition to insulin products. MS patients will directly feel the effects of drug price negotiation with more than 25 percent of patients with MS being on Medicare. 

Inflation Reduction Act Will Help Minority Communities With Multiple Sclerosis. MS has been believed to be most prevalent among white women that are between ages 20 to 50. Recent research has shown that African Americans suffer more from the disease than previously thought. Studies from 2013 and 2020 show that Black women suffer from the highest rates of MS. MS also tends to have a more aggressive progression, greater disability symptoms, and more cognitive symptoms in Black MS patients than in white. Black, Hispanic, and other minority communities suffer from a lack of access to care. It is less likely that minorities see a neurologist or receive specialized care for MS than their white counterparts. The Inflation Reduction Act will help bridge the gap between minority communities and receiving the proper care they need to manage MS.

As part of the final Inflation Reduction Act theme week, Protect Our Care is highlighting how the historic legislation will help Americans with serious diseases, including diabetes. The Inflation Reduction Act will drastically reduce the cost of prescription drugs for Americans enrolled in Medicare’s Part D drug benefit by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, preventing drug companies from raising prices faster than the rate of inflation, and capping out-of-pocket spending on drugs to $2,000 a year. This bill also extends enhanced American Care Act subsidies to allow more Americans to afford high-quality coverage, reducing racial, income, and geographic disparities in health care and saving lives. Millions of Americans with diabetes will feel the direct financial impacts of affordable prescription drugs and health insurance from this bill.

By The Numbers:

• 3.3 million Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes will benefit from a guarantee that their insulin costs are capped at $35 for a month’s supply.
• Premium tax credits extended in the Inflation Reduction Act will allow 13 million people with pre-existing conditions, including diabetes, to save money on their insurance
• Diabetes is the costliest chronic condition in America.
• More than 8 million people rely on prescription insulin.

The Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Health Care Costs

Capping Out-Of-Pocket Costs Will Help Millions Of Seniors With Diabetes Save Money.  Medicare beneficiaries with serious conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis could save thousands of dollars under the Inflation Reduction Act. In 2025, out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000 per year for medications covered by Medicare Part D; directly lowering costs for the more than 1.4 million enrollees who paid more than $2,000 on medication in 2020. A quarter of American adults have not filled a prescription, cutting pills in half, or skipped doses due to the cost of medication. One out of every four Americans with diabetes can’t afford their insulin. 

Extending Premium Subsidies Saves Lives. The Inflation Reduction Act extends enhanced premium subsidies through the end of 2025. Right now, nearly 13 million people, or 89 percent with an ACA plan, are receiving enhanced premium tax credits, making their coverage affordable and accessible. After two years of these subsidies, the Department of Health and Human Services released an analysis showing that just 8 percent of Americans lacked health insurance at the beginning of 2022 — an all-time low for the nation.

Gives Medicare The Power To Negotiate Lower Drug Prices. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare will be empowered to negotiate prices for select drugs for Medicare Part D’s 49 million beneficiaries. Beginning in 2026, 10 drugs will be negotiated with that number increasing to 15 drugs in 2027, and 20 drugs in 2029 and into the future. By 2030, more than 80 drugs will be eligible for Medicare price negotiation, in addition to insulin products. 

Every Republican In Congress Voted For Higher Insulin Prices For Americans With Diabetes. Every Republican in Congress voted against capping insulin copays for Medicare beneficiaries at $35 each month starting in 2023. Almost all Republicans in the Senate also voted to block applying the $35 monthly cap to people with private insurance, forcing higher prices onto millions of Americans with diabetes.

Affordable Insulin Directly Helps Minority And Rural Seniors. Minority Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes when compared to their white counterparts with over 12 percent of Black adults and 11.8 percent of Hispanics being diagnosed with the disease. Black Americans also continue to be the hardest hit when it comes to affording their prescription drugs and paying medical bills. 

According to a 2018 study, rural Americans are 17 percent more likely to suffer from diabetes than urban Americans. Diabetes risk factors are higher in rural areas than their urban and suburban counterparts as they have less access to health care providers, fewer transportation options to receive care, and higher rates of being uninsured. 

These seniors are forced to stop taking their medication or cut doses in half. Diabetics suffer severe effects such as numbness in feet and nerve damage in the eyes when they stop taking doses as prescribed. Patients who suffer chronic complications can expect to pay upwards of an additional $650 per year. The insulin cap provision in the Inflation Reduction Act will vastly improve the lives of millions of older, minority, and rural insulin users.